A major focus in behavioral health care is the reduction of stigma to help bridge the gap in access to quality care for marginalized communities. Supportive and motivating language is essential for engaging persons in care who are already burdened with dealing with the challenges that come from substance use disorders, mental illness, physical disabilities and more.
This interactive webinar will provide a review and practice skills on the use of person-first language (aligns with person-centered care), as an effective means of enhancing the provider-client communication and reducing bias perspectives with racial and ethnic populations, persons with disabilities and other underserved communities.

Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T has worked in the behavioral health field for more than 25 years. Using a culturally informed and inclusive recovery-oriented perspective, Ms. Padilla instructs on how to enhance strategies and interventions to best meet the substance use and related needs of communities of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other traditionally underserved populations.
She is also an SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) Technical Assistance and Implementation Specialist, helping agencies to build their capacity to effectively intervene with communities at risk of substance use and mental health related conditions and behaviors.

Credits: This training meets the requirements for two renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and two initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity, please check with your accrediting agency.